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History & The Arts
Two concepts of freedom
What defines individual freedom in a civilised society? Philosophers have argued over such questions for centuries. This free course, Two concepts of freedom, looks at a positive and a negative concept of freedom, asking you to think carefully about how freedom is restricted by our place in society and how it can vary from state to state.
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Education & Development
Archive course extract: Attachment theory
This extract is from a course no longer in presentation at The Open University, and is online for archive purposes only. How do children come to develop strong attachments to people and objects, to the extent that being separated causes upset?
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Society, Politics & Law
Is public spending a drain on the economy or the mark of a civilised society?
Read this article outlining arguements in debate held under the auspices of the Social Sciences Student Connections, Big Conversation.
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Health, Sports & Psychology
Sometimes a bunny is just a bunny: The Playboy brand and sexualisation of children
Beyond the tabloid-fuelled rage at Playboy products apparently aimed at children is a much more nuanced relationship with the Bunny brand.
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History & The Arts
Mizuki Shigeru: An appreciation
Manga artist, folklorist and icon Mizuki Shigeru has died. Nevin Thompson explains the role he played in Japanese culture, and why he'll be so missed.
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Society, Politics & Law
Are businesses just leaping on transgender trends to turn a profit?
When Selfridges is clearing space to make a genderfluid display space, and Will Young is working with trans actors, transgender people might seem to be riding a wave into the heart of the mainstream. But, says Ray Fillar, until the media goes deeper than just jumping on the transwagon, we've still a long way to go.
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Nature & Environment
Stories of Change - The Interviews
'Stories of Change' interviews with Roger Harrabin.
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Society, Politics & Law
Tumble And Twirl: David Bowie and gender transgression
Throughout his career, David Bowie has pushed at the edges and limits of the gender binary. Lisa Perrott offers a brief guide.
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History & The Arts
Understanding Alice
Professor Kimberley Reynolds explores how Lewis Carroll transformed logic, literary traditions and ideas about childhood into the superbly inventive and irreverent Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
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Digital & Computing
What is openwashing - and how can you avoid it?
Claiming to be open - whether in software, education resources, data, or government - but only for the kudos without making good on the open promise can undermine the whole movement. Patrick Masson from the software Open Source Iniative explores those whose doors say open, but their attitudes remain closed.
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Education & Development
How is a University obsession with teenagers hurting part-time students?
As Universities chase lucrative school-leaving students, those seeking to study part-time are increasingly squeezed, reports John Butcher.
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Health, Sports & Psychology
Rugby: A sport for sampling or specialisation?
What are the benefits or risks of specialising in a sport early on? Jessica Pinchbeck discusses early specialisation in rugby.